Middle School Sports

The New Canaan YMCA provides an opportunity for boys and girls to participate in a wide variety of sports throughout the year.

Girls Volleyball (Grades 5th-8th)

This class for middle school girls is an introduction to the fundamentals of volleyball. The program is recommended for all those who have an interest in playing volleyball recreationally or at the high school level.

Junior Tennis (Ages 6-15)

Presented by Slammer Tennis World! Kids will learn the basics of tennis in a fun-filled atmosphere. Strokes covered include ground strokes and volleys, the overhead, and the serve. The class will also incorporate some light exercises and footwork drills to build stamina. Lessons taught by a certified tennis teaching professional.

Sessions: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Fencing (Ages 7+)

Looking for something new for your child to try? This program is a great introduction to an Olympic sport that has been around for centuries. Participants will learn the basic footwork, hand positioning, and much more.

Sessions: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Beginner Archery (Ages 8-12)

This class is meant to get new comers to the sport used to its rules, techniques, and most importantly its safety aspects. After covering the basics the class will begin to shoot both on standard targets and also through fun and creative games. Come learn a sport that’s been around for centuries and continues to excite!

While still covering the basics, this class is meant to hone the skills of those who have been already used to the sport. The class will be a mix of skill games and competitive shooting to carefully track the progress of each archer. Experience the joy of becoming a master archer in a safe and welcoming environment!

Sessions: Spring and Fall

Kempo Karate (Ages 7+)

We have partnered with Kempo Academy to offer a program for children of all ages that revolves around teaching discipline, focus, confidence, self-control and respect. The faculty of the Academy has created a highly successful teaching technique that incorporates character building philosophies with traditional martial arts training methods. Students enjoy the benefits of cardio workouts and stretching techniques which maximize their physical benefits and the confidence that is achieved through effective self-defense training.

Sessions: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

The Non-Traditional Sports Club (Grades 5-8)

Everybody knows the big name traditional sports, but what about the little ones? During this nine week program, we will get the chance to explore some of the lesser known sports. We will play Gaga, Nine-Square, Mat-ball, Dodgeball, and Ultimate Frisbee. All of these sports are a little out of the ordinary but are easy to learn and enjoy. We will spend a week on every sport except for Ultimate Frisbee, where we will be spending two as it requires a little more practice. The last extra three weeks we will revisit the group’s favorite sports.

Gaga is the Israeli version of dodgeball where you are in an octagon shaped pit and have to hit a ball on the ground with your hand in an attempt to hit your opponent’s foot. Nine-square is a beefed up version of four square. Not only are there more squares but rather than hitting the ball down onto the floor you have to hit the ball over the raised Nine-Squares. Mat-ball is also a spin on dodgeball where the bases are enlarged, you can have an unlimited amount of people on the bases, and you must round the bases twice.